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THE 

felSE AND PROGRESS 



OF THS 



GAME OF BILLIARDS. 

WITH 

RULES OF THE aA.M:E. 
Hints on tbe Care of Billiard Tables^ &e 



PHELAN & OOX^LENDER. 



NEW YORK; 

1864 









RISE AND PROGRESS 



THE GAME OF BILLIAKDS. 



Not to be familiar with the game of billiards argues an 
imperfect education in the ways of the world, for it is a 
pastime which, whilst it promotes health from exercise, 
^stimulates the mind. Few of its many students, however, 
are aware of its origin, and in tracing its history the advance 
of civilization is clearly marked. From the athletic sports 
of the twelfth, thirteenth and fourteenth centuries we derive 
the game, and the practitioner of ten-pins will perhaps be 
astonished to learn that the rudimental pastime from which 
such sturdy exercise is now derived, with all its boisterous- 
ness of action, is likewise the parent of billiards. The 
effeminacy of mankind has resolved from an uncouth prac- 
tice, one of the most refined amusements known to the 
world. The Dutch introduced the game of bowls into 
England in the thirteenth century, and on it any number of 
games were improvised. From this and shuffle or shovel 
board, we derive billiards, both of which were played on the 




ORIGIN OF BILLIARDS. 

(From Strutt's Sports and Pastimes.) 

ground. The first game of billiards consisted of driving a 
ball, with a stick or mace, through an arch towards a mark 
at a distance, all the objects being placed on the surface of 
the ground. The accompanying engraving illustrates the 



4 KISE AND PROGRESS OF 

infancy of the noble game. It bears out the old proverb 
that every beginning is weak. 

To obviate the necessity of the kneeling of the player, 
whilst striking or aiming at the bowl, the game was trans- 
ferred to a table. This improvement was effected in the 
fourteenth century. Other improvements were gradually 
made, and from an uncouth wooden platform, at the end of 
the last century it became a smooth, cloth-covered square 
table, with three pockets thereon, all ranged on one side, 
that is, one situated on each corner and one midway between 
them. The game then was played '^ith one ball, which 
had to be driven through a moveable iron arch, generally 
placed in the center of the table, at an upright cone, termed 
the King. The game consisted in the dexterous propulsion 
of the ball through the arch so as not to disturb its equili- 
brium, varied by moves which rendered it necessary that 
the ball should be driven through the same and around the 
cone without knocking them down. 

The French improved on the billiard table, and founded 
the carom game. They introduced cushions, leathered cues 
— a vast improvement — and other ameliorations, and rendered 
the game one of interest, by combining the science of angles 
with the movements. 

Within the past ten years, however, the United States has 
done more than any other country to elevate the game, by 
the manifold improvements effected. Of the host, the com- 
bined cushions of Phelan, and the introduction of stone beds, 
have culminated the excellences of the game, and rendered 
it one of calculation and point. To be a good billiard 
player now-a-days, is evidence of mental ability. We see 
our engineers and military men students at the table, which, 
to them, is the book of practice of many theories laid down 
in words. On the billiard table they work out problems 
on every known angle, and seek to discover new ones. One 
of the great recommendations of the exercise is its combina- 
tion of recreation, exercise and study. Like all human 
devices, when the mind is devoted to its elevation, it rises 
correspondingly with the grade of intellect bestowed on it. 
It is not a mere mechanical pastime — ^power applied reck- 
lessly. It is a science — ^the science of government, not alone 
self-government, but that of mechanics. It is elevating in 
its character, and has nought demoralizing in its parts, 
unless the mind be so debased as to render it so — and minds 
of such calibre can so render the works of nature, if they be 
inclined. The exercise, whilst health-provoking, is gentle. 



THE GAME OF BILLIARDS. 6 

t 

mnd the interest created during the progress of the game so 
fascinates as to divest it of all appearance of labor, albeit 
there is more than an ordinary amount in its prosecution. 
The discipline thus wielded over the bodily and mental 
functions, by cloaking in diversion a health-provocative, has 
given to many afllicted with the thousand ills attendant on 
" nothing to do," a new lease of life, coupled with an invigo- 
rated mind, capable of shaping desires to its thorough 
enjoyment. 

In no department of art or manufacture has so sudden and 
complete a revolution been effected as in that of billiard 

' table making. The revolution in the appliances of the game 
has revolutionized the game itself. This double revolution 
was almost instantaneous. As soon as Phelan's improve- 
ments were submitted to the public they were immediately 
adopted, and the effect they were destined to produce on a 
national amusement recognized and acknowledged. We 
purpose, in this brief sketch, to give a resum^ of their short 
but eventful history To insure the perfect understanding 
of the subject, and the judicious comparison between bil- 
liards as they were and as they are, it is necessary to bring 
the reader back a few years, and show him what billiard 
tables and cushions were in the year before Mr. Phelan's 
improvements were given to the world. 




BILLIARD TABLES IN 1854. 

As late as the year 1854, the billiard table which is now 
the graceful ornament of many a mansion, was a most un- 
sightly construction. The height of the cushions, the un- 
gainly shape of the pocket irons, the yawning jaws and 
bristling sights, made what should be an ornament to a 



{ 
6 RISE AND PROGRESS OP 

/ 

saloon or an apartment, a perfect eye-sore. The annexed 
cut shows the shape of the old cushion and pocket. The 
former, it will be observed, gradually sloped off from its 
proper width to the pocket, and the player, when his ball 
struck any portion of the sloped part, could never be certain 
of the angle at which the ball would reoound ; by this 
means, a great quantity of accurate reflecting surface was 
lost to the player. Again, when a ball entered a pocket, it 
was almost sure to strike the pocket-iron at either extremity, 
and, in practice, it was found that the leather covering of the 
pocket-iron quickly wore away from those points, leaving the 
metal bare against which the ball struck. It became, in 
consequence, quickly worn out and injured, and the table 
was unfit for playing upon. 

Another great defect was the disproportionate height of 
the cushion, which, when a ball lay against it, necessitated 
an almost vertical application of the cue, and caused the 
player, when his ball was cushioned, to lose ninety-nine 
shots out of every hundred. On account of the materials 
of which their cushions were made, the old-school*manu- 
facturers were obliged to make them of this extrava- 
gant height, or the ball wx)uld fly over the table at every 
shot. Again — in the India rubber cushion for instance — 
the imbedding of the ball in the material m.ade the produc- 
tion of correct angles an utter impossibility. The appended 
diagram will illustrate the^e observations. 

It is a sectional 
view of the India 
rubber cushion, 
known amongst bil- 
. Hard table makers as 
' the "pipe" or "tube" 
cushion. It was com- 
posed of a long, 

. ^ ^ ^. ... ......... round strip of rub- 

^^^^^^^^^^^^PS ber, sometimes hol- 
low and sometimes solid, as they wished to increase or 
diminish the degree of elasticity. The ball, ^, is represented 
in contact with it. When the ball came in contact with the 
rubber, it sank in, or was imbedded m it more or less, ac- 
cording^ to the degree of force with which it might be 
impelled ; the greater the force, the more the rubber was 
compressed and the more the ball was imbedded, and this 
sinking in or imbedding of the ball, together with the ex- 




THE GAME OF BILLIARDS 



t?ei] 




Bme elasticity of the rubber, was the cause of the angle, 
produced by the rebound, being so acute and so far removed 
from correctness. The illustration also shows at how 
awkward an elevation the cue had to be held to strike the* 
-ball when in contact with the old st^^e cushion. Another 
style of the " old style" is shown in the next diagram. 

In form, it had 

g <?\S^v\\\\^ ^ all the objectionable 
^^featuresofthepre- 
ceding one — extrav- 
gant height, raised 
sights, etc. It was 
called the " English 
pattern," and was 
simply a strip of rub- 
ber of the shape represented ; the same objections apply 
to it as to the "pipe" or " tube" cushion, viz., an imbedding 
of the ball, and too much elasticity ; the angles it gives are 
at variance with all known geometrical principles. The 
figure will also serve to show the shape of the old cloth 
cushion, composed of long strips or layers of cloth, laid 
parallel with the cushion rail. 

THE OLD-SCHOOL MAKERS DIDN't WANT IMPROVEMENTS. 

Mr. Phelan's long experience as a scientific player of 
billiards, made him painfully aware of these drawbacks to 
the artistic perfection of the game, and he set himself to 
work to find a means of obviating them. On his return to 
this city from California in 1855, he went to several manu- 
facturers of billiard tables, and pointed out to them the 
imperfections of the then existing structure of tables, endeav- 
oring to make them understand the requirements of the 
game, of which they seemed to know as little as the laborer 
who puts down a gas-pipe knows of the principles by which 
the article the pipe is to contain is manufactured. They 
said they wanted no improvements ; they knew all about 
billiards, and nobody could teach them anything in regard 
to the game or the manufacture of its machinery. Even if 
he could teach them anything they did not wish to learn it, 
for they sold as many billiard tables as they could make in 
their old-fashioned six-months-to-make-one-table way, and 
that was all they wanted. As to adding to the general 
sum of public amusement and the dignifying of one of the 
noblest games extant, they cared not ; their tables — ^like the 



r 



8 RISE AND PROGRESS OF L 

razors of a certcin vendor — ^were made to sell, and if tho] 
sold, their object was achieved. 

♦ A GOOD CHANCE LOST. 

Inventors are a pretty tough race, and Mr. Phelan was 
not behind the rest of his co-workers in the cause of pro- 
gress in the great virtue of indomitable perseverance. He 
still endeavored to bring the old fogies to reason. He told 
them he intended to get up a table after a new model, which 
would be a vast improvement on the then existing style ; 
that he also designed constructing a cushion, upon which 
the scientific player could rely for uniformity of speed and 
correctness of angles. But the old fogies remained deaf to 
reason, and were only restored to hearing by the unanimous 
voice of the public, calling for the new improvements. 

Seeing that there was nothing to be done with wilfully 
blind and deaf men, Mr. Phelan determined to put his own 
shoulder to the wheel, and accordingly he and Mr. H. W. 
Collender made arrangements to carry out their ideas practi- 
cally. They commenced operations in June, 1855, a date 
not likely to be forgotten by the old fogy fraternity. 

THE FOGIES DECLARED THE NEW TABLE AND CUSHIONS 
WORTHLESS. 

The Model Table and Combination Cushions were soon 
a reality. The manufacturers of the old school immediately 
declared them valueless, and only began to regret having 
lost the good chance of Mr. Phelan's offer when they saw 
the Model Tables adopted with avidity, and their own old 
cushions torn down on all sides to make room for the new 
combinations. They fought against the public as long as 
they could, but at length were obliged, if they wanted to do 
even the ghost of a business, to counterfeit the outward form 
of Phelan's tables and cushions, and to deceive the public 
by declaring that they could supply Phelan's cushions. 
They have since only lived by infringing Phelan's patents, 
and even with the help of that disgraceful expedient they can 
eke out but a miserable subsistence ; for one of their leaders, 
in a suit brought for the infringement of one of Mr. Phelan's 
patents, upon being questioned as to the fact, was obliged 
to acknowledge on oath " that Phelan makes about all the 
tables that are sold." 

WHAT THE NEW CUSHIONS ARE. 

First, as to their form. The Combination Cushions are 
half an inch lower than those of the old style, which is of 



THE GAME OF BILLIARDS. 



9 



the greatest importance, for when the ball is at rest close to 
it, it can be struck and played with almost the same facility 
as if it were at any other part of the table, enabling the 
player to play with his cue in nearly a horizontal position, 
as shown in the succeeding diagrams, and not obliging him 
to elevate it as represented in the illustration of the old-style 
cushions given above. Another improvement consists in the 

nails or sights. In 
the old style they pro- 
ject above the cush- 
ion and interfere with 
many strokes during 
the play. In the new 
they are inserted in, 
and level with the 
surface of the cush- 
ion. 

The pocket irons also are level with the surface of the 
Combination Cushion. It will be seen from the next figure, 
which is a view of one corner of the Model Table, that this 
allows the player to strike the ball when in the position 
represented therein, with the cue perfectly horizontal 

One of the most 
important improve- 
ments, perhaps, is the 
diflference in the 
shape of the pockets. 
The dotted linos, c c, 
at each side of the 
pocket, are intended 
to show the differ- 
style and those on 





ence betvreen 



the shape of the old 
the Model Table. By constructing the "jaws" of the pockets 
in this style, there is an additional surface of some- thirty 
inches more of correct cushions added to the space to be played 
on, over and ab^e that on the old-style tables, and many 
strokes can be made that would be impossible on the old ones. 
Again, there is no deceptive appearance presented to the 
player when playing a ball at a pocket, as there is on the 
old, wide, gaping "jaws," which do not "take" a ball as 
easily as those on the Model Tables. The letters c c, there- 
fore, show the old-style shape of th^ pocket, and a the new 
style on the Combination Cushion. There is at I east five inches 
more cushion on ezch pocket of the new, or thirty inches on the 
whole. 



10 



RISE AND PROGRESS OF 



The great desideratum in billiards, however, is a cushion 
which will throw off the ball at a correct angle. The next 
diagram will show the superiority of the Combination Cush- 
ions ove-r all others in this respect. They are the only 




cushions made, on which the player can rely for exact 
mathematical correctness of angle. 



THE GAME OF BILLIARDS. 11 

j The diagram shows a top view of the bed, cushions, and 
pockets of a billiard table, and illustrates the angles produced 
by a " stroke" of equal strength when played on the " Com- 
pination," cloth, and India rubber cushions. The example 
Is, a ball played from the centre of the side pocket over line 
la to the point on the opposite cushion with sufficient strength 
• lo make it rebound to the side from which it started, and 
\ jback again. On the Combination Cushions it will describe 
^ .Ihe angles marked A A A, on the diagram, which evidently 
' ^e correct angles, the base of both being equal. But on the 
- i'ndia rubber cushions, the ball, if played with the same force, 
describes angles to correspond with the dotted lines marked 
^ B, and if played with an increased force, will finally 
iretum in a line parallel to the end cushions, when, if correct 
»a,ngles had been described, it would have returned to the 
Corner pocket opposite to the ball marked a ait the termi- 
nation of the line A. 

The second example illustrates the difference in the angles 
produced by a stroke on the cloth. Combination, and India 
rubber cushions ; play ball a against the cushion as repre- 
sented in the diagram, with a moderate degree of strength, 
and the angles produced on the different cushions named 
will correspond with those lines marked " cloth," " Combina- 
tion," and "India rubber;" the cloth cushion will produce 
an angle too obtuse, the India rubber an angle too acute, 
while the Combination Cushion will produce a correct angle, 
as can be proved by actual demonstration on the different 
tables. 

To further illustrate the difference inform between the old 
style and the Combination Cushions, we subjoin the follow- 
ing engravings of a side and corner pocket, which the reader 




may compare with the cuts of the old cushion already given. 



12 RISE AND PROGRESS OF 

It will be fseen that instead of having the sweep by whic 
as has been already said, so much accurate reflecting su 
face is destroyed, the cushions, C, are extended perfect 
even in their width, close to the pocket-hole, so that a great* 
amount of reflecting surface is obtained. The cushions tui 
off abruptly at a slight angle to the pocket, just enough 
give a clear entrance to the ball, and of such a shape frO: 
the corner of c, that should the ball once strike these, it cail 
not fail entering the pocket ; and they also projci aboij 
one-eighth of an inch in front of the pocket-iron. Tb 
shape of the pocket-iron has also undergone a materi 
change from the old horse-shoe form ; it is, as will be see 
perfectly concave, and there is no part which can possib 
be touched by the ball, but the moment it enters the spa< 
between the cushions, it is sure to fall into the pocket wif 
out touching the iron. 




The above figure represents a comer pocket on the new 
plan, to which the same observations apply. 

THE PRINCIPLE OF THE COMBINATION CUSHION. 

Mr. Phelan had early become persuaded of the only 
correct principle on which good cushions can be produced : 
1st, The union of a comparatively hard face and an elastic 
back. 2d, That the indispensable hard face and elastic back 
should be, if it were possible, of the same material, 3d, That 
they should bo inseparable. To be so, the hard face and 
olastic ?)r.ck ohmiTd be one solid hody^ with two distinct 



THE GAME OF BILLIARDS. 13 

degrees of density. Were they even of the same material^ 
brt separate, however well they might be glued or cemented 
together, the elasticity would not be uniform. The air 
would insinuate itself between them and destroy the required 
.i uniformit>^ No glue or cement, whatever its power of 

I adhesion, would stand the continual concussion of the balls. 
The Combination Cushion is constructed on the princi- 

■ pies mentioned above. It has the solid face and elastic back 
of the same substance ; and the face and back are of one piece^ 

^ and, being so, inseparable. The perfect union is achieved. 

THE MATERIAL OF THE CUSHION. 

? The material of which the Combination Cushion is formed 

is subjected to a process which communicates to the parts of 

J the whole diiferent degrees of density. Thus, the cushion, 

1 though combining elasticity and solidity, makes one indivis- 

i ibie whole, and is never out of order, like those in which 

( the solid portion is a strip of steel, wood, or bone, nailed or 

glued to the elastic portion, which, in them, is of common ' 

India rubber. This process also makes it impervious to 

heat, cold, or humidity, so that the amateur is no longer, as 

he was, at the mercy of the weather. No amount of playing 

can affect them ; they may be stamped upon or hammered 

on an anvil without making any permanent impression upon 

them. They give the exact a;mount of elasticity required, 

and all billiard authoritieg have pronounced them the only 

ones which have attained scientific correctness and exactness 

of angle. When once put up, they are an heir-loom, and 

can be handed down from generation to generation. They 

absorb, without being affected by them, essential oils, which 

would completely dissolve the India rubber cushions of the 

manufacturers of the old school. 

HOW THE OLD SCHOOL RECEIVED THE NEW PRINCIPLES. 

They commenced by denying them. But, seeing that they 
triumphed, they tried to adopt them to such an extent as to 
deceive the public. They tried all sorts of what they call 
" hard facing :" strips of bone, steel, gutta perch a, whale- 
bone, hard wood, belting, pasteboard, etc., but those who 
purchased of them found, when it was too late, that the 
cushions thus fabricated were useless. The effect of this 
is thatthe manufacturers of the Combination Cushions receive 
daily numerous requests to place those cushions on the old- 
school tables, which they are obliged to decline in their own. 
interest, in consequence of the inferior materials of which 
those tables are made. 



14 RISE AND PROGRESS OF 

THE MODEL TABLE AS A WHOLE. 

Having shown the parts of the Model Table, we now pre- 
sent our readers with an illustration of it as an entirety, 
giving a general view of that structure, with its improve- 
ments in the construction of the pocket-irons, jaws and 
eights. 

A WORD TO THE LOVERS OF BILLIARDS. 

The most careful supervision is exercised over every por- 
tion of the manufacturing process of the Model Tables. The 
materials used in their construction are of the choicest de- 
scription, and the greatest care is taken to have the timber 
employed properly seasoned. Their various portions are 
made by machines expressly constructed for the purpose, 
thereby insuring the most exact precision. They are sold • 
at the lowest possible price, considering that the materials 
used in their manufacture are of the very best quality, and 
that nothing is neglected to secure their scientific accuracy. 
It may do for makers who have no regard for their business 
reputation, and who have no other end in view than to sell 
their productions, to botch them up hurriedly and make 
them of inferior materials, but the manufacturers of the 
Model Tables and Combination Cushions aim to give the pub- 
lic a table which will be elegant, durable, and, above all, 
scientifically correct. Purchaser^of billiard tables should 
recollect the old truism: that what are called "bargains" 
are always dear. 



The next and following Engravings will give an idea 
of the principal styles of Tables mannfactured at 
the Phelan Billiard Factory. 

No. 1 is an engraving of the carved tables : they are made 
of rosewood, oak, black walnut, or other wood as ordered, 
with slate, marble or wooden beds ; this style is much 
admired, and large numbers of them have been supplied for 
the private mansions of our most distinguished citizens. 
Many public saloons have also been fitted up with them. 
The full sized table (6x12 feet) requires a room 24 feet long 
by 18 feet wide, but a room 16 by 22 would answer, by 
using cues of medium length. 



THE GAME OF BILLIARDS. 



16 








16 EI8E AND PROGRESS OF 



No. 2 is an engraving of a first-class table — ^made with 
slate, marble or wooden beds. We manufacture more of 
this style than of any other — ^the bed, cushions, etc., being 
the same as No. 1 — ^the carving being the only difference. 
These tables are made in the best possible manner, no care 
or expense being spared to insure perfection. They are 
made of rosewood, oak, mahogany, walnut, birch, and 
satin-wood. A well seasoned stock is always kept on hand, 
so that orders can be filled on the shortest notice and without 
delay. We have, on an average, two hundred tables in 
course of construction in our factory, so as to keep our 
warerooms supplied with well seasoned and carefully 
finished tables ; thus insuring work that will give satisfac- 
tion to customers, and be creditable to ourselves. This 
style of table is also made of different sizes, to suit the 
dimensions of rooms not large enough for the full size table. 

We manufacture tables to suit smaller rooms, preserving 
the regular proportions of the full-sized table. Specimens 
of the various sizes and styles are always to be seen at our 
warerooms. 

Further particulars, with price list, sent by mail on appli- 
cation. 



THE GAME OF BILLIARDS. 



IT 








2* 



18 RISE AND PROGRESS OF 



CAROM TABLES; 
OR, KEELY TABLES. 

We keep on hand carom tables ready for shipment on one 
day's notice. They have the same general appearance as 
the tables No. 1 and 2 — with the exception of the cushions, 
which extend all around the table, leaving no opening for 
pockets. 

We also manufacture tables with four pockets — ^the side 
or middle pockets being omitted. Tables of particular pat- 
tern will be made to order. Each table is furnished Avith 
One set of Balls, Set of Markers, 

Twelve Cues, Chalk, 

Two Maces, Cue Leathers, 

One Bridge, Cue Wax, etc., ' 

Cue Rack. 
* The whole is carefully packed in strong cases for ship- 
ment, and delivered in this city and vicinity without extra 
charge. 



Annexed wilt be found patterns of the various styles of 
legs. We generally put that marked No. 1 to No. 2 tables, 
as we consider it the best adapted by style and proportion 
to that description of table, but persons wishing any of the 
other numbers can have them placed on No. 2 tables, by 
specifying in their orders which style they desire. 

The engravings of tables which are here given are 
merely designed to give an idea of the various styles. It is 
scarcely necessary to say that the various sizes ^ of which 
we have a great number on hand, could not be shown by 
engravings. 



THE GAME OF BILLIARDS. 19^ 




20 



RISE AND PROGRESS OP 




THE GAME OF RILLIARDS. 



21 



A plain cue-rack and set of markers are sent with every 
lable. Those who may desire something more ornamental,, 
can be accommodated at moderate rates. We give engravings 
of two styles. No. 1 is a Triangular ,Cue-rack, especially 
adapted for private billiard rooms, as it takes up but little 
room, and can be placed in a corner. It can be had with a set 
of markers as in the engraving, or without, as may be desired. 

No. 1. 



NO. Q 




No. 2 is a Revolving Circular Cue-rack, which will 
be found^ convenient for private rooms, as it is moveable, and 
its revolving admits of the player taking out any particular 
cue without the trouble of changing his position. 

The Marker 

represented is 
intended to be 
placed on the 
mantel-piece in. 
priv;!i(3 rooms. 

All these arti- 
les are furnished 
at the most rea- 
sonable prices. 




2a RISE AND PROGRESS OF 

Orders for any of the following articles, sent to "as, will 
be carefully attended to, and will be filled as well, and at 
the same price, as if the purchaser made the selection in 
person. For small amounts it is best to remit with the order, 
as the express charges for collecting would be in many cases 
more than the profit on the articles. 

BILLIARD TABLES, with Slate, Marble or Wooden Beds, any gize, 
made to order ; the ordinary size always on hand, and where re- 
quired, can be shipped at a few hours' notice. 

CAROM TABLES, or Tables with four pockets. 

CLOTHS, by the piece or yard. 

BILLIARD and BAGATELLE BALLS, all sizes. 

FIFTEEN-BALL POOL BALLS, all sizes. 

POOL BALLS and PINS. 

POOL GLOBES. 

KEELEY and ROUNDA BALLS. 

JOINTED CUES, for travelling. 

BERGER CUES and INLAID CUES. 

CUE LEATHERS, from $1 00 to $3 00 per box. 

CUE WAX, CUE CUTTERS, 

CUE WAFERS, a new article. 

FRENCH CHALK. 

BILLIARD BRUSHES. 

MACES, BRIDGES, 

CUE RACKS. 

PRIVATE CUE RACKS, for Saloons. 

BALL COLOR, for coloring Balls. 

CHALK CUPS and MARKERS. 

FANCY MARKERS and STANDS, for private honse», 

RUBBER and MUSLIN OVER COVERS. 

All orders will be executed with care, and parties order- 
ing by mail can have anything, from a table to a cue, sent 
to them with as much care as if ordered and selected in 
person. • 

Gentlemen are respectfully invited to make an examina^ 
tion of our work and stock before purchasing elsewhere. 



RULES 



OP THE 



American or Four Ball Game. 



EULE I.— On Stringing for the Lead. 

Whoever, playing from within the string against the 
lower cushion, can bring his ball nearest to the cushion at 
which he stands^ is entitled to t;he choice of lead and balls. 
Provided : 

1st. That the player's ball, in stringing, has not touched 
any other ball upon the table ; 

2d. Nor fallen into any of the pockets ; — ^in either case 
he loses the choice. 

RULE II.— On Leading, 

1st. In leading, the player's ball must be played with 
sufficient strength to pass below the deep red ball, or he 
loses his choice. 

2d. It must not be played with so much strength as to 
repass the deep-red ball a second time, after having 
rebounded from the foot of the table. In this latter case, it 
is optional with the adversary to make the player spot his 
ball on the vool spot, play it over again, or take the lead 
himself. 

ETTLE Ill.—On the Opening of the Game. 

Once the lead is made, the game is considered as com- 
menced, and neither player can withdraw except under the 
circumstances hereafter specified. But no count of for- 
feitv^re can be made until each player has played one stroke. 

EULE IV.— On Foul Strokes. 

The penalty for a foul stroke is this : that the player 
cannot count any points he may have made by such stroke. 



M RISE AND PROGEESS OF 

and that his adversary is entitled to the next play. The 
following are among the strokes called foul : 

1st. If either player use his opponent's ball to play with, 
the stroke is foul ; and, if successful, he cannot count, pro- 
vided the error is found out. before a second shot is made. 
But, 

2d. Should two or more strokes have been made previous 
to the discovery, the reckoning cannot be disturbed, and the 
player may continue his game with the same ball. And, 

3d. If it be found that the players have changed balls 
during the game, and if the change can be brought home to 
neither in particular, each must keep the ball he has, and 
let the game proceed. 

4th. Should both the white balls be off the table together, 
and should either player, by mistake, pick up the wrong 
one and play with it, the stroke must stand, and he can 
count whatever he has made. 

5th. If the striker aim at a ball before it is fully at rest, 
or while any other ball is rolling on the table, the stroke is 
foul and no count can be effected. 

6th. If, when in the act of taking aim, a player should 
touch the ball more than once with his cue, the stroke is 
considered foul. 

7th. If the player, when pushing his own ball forward 
with the feutt of his cue, does not withdraw the butt before 
the cue-ball touches the object-ball, the stroke is foul. 

8th. If, when a red ball is holed, or forced off the table, 
the striker, before playing, does not see that said red ball is 
replaced upon its proper spot — supposing such spot to be 
unoccupied — ^the stroke he may make, vv^hile the red is not 
in its proper place, is foul. But should the spot be covered 
by any other ball when the red is pocketed or forced off, 
the red must remain off the table until its proper position is 
vacant, and all the bails cease rolling. 

9th. If, when the player's ball is in hand, he does not 
cause it to pass outside the string, before touching any of 
the object-bails or cushion (except in a case mentioned in 
the following rule), the stroke is foul, and his opponent may 
choose whether he will play with the balls as they are, 
have them replaced in their original positions, or cause the 
stroke to be played over a second time; or, should the 



THE GAME OF BILLIARDS. » 

player make a losing hazard under such circumstances, the 
penalty may be enforced. 

10th. Playing at a ball whose bzise, or point of contact 
with the table, is outside of the string, is considered playing 
cut ( f the string ; and the stroke is a fair one, even though 
the side which the cue-ball strikes is hanging over, and 
therefore within the string. 

11th. If, after making a successful stroke, the player 
obstructs the free course of the balls upon the table, ho 
becomes subject to the penalties of a foul stroke, and cannot 
score his points. 

12th. If the player, with his ball in hand, play at an 
object-ball that is exactly on th'e string, the stroke is foul ; 
for a ball on the string must be treated as if within it. 

13th. If the striker, through stretching forward or other- 
wise, has not at least one foot on the floor while striking, 
the shot is foul, and no points can be reckoned. 

14th. If a player shall alter the stroke he is about to 
make, at the suggestion of any party in the room — even if 
it be at the suggestion of his partner in a double match, 
except where a special agreement is made that partners may 
advise — ^the altered stroke which he plays is foul, and he 
cannot count any points that may be won thereby, 

BTJLE V.—On Forfeitures. 

1st. If the player fails to hit any of the balls upon the 
table with his own ball, he forfeits one, which must be added 
to his adversary's count. 

2d. The player forfeits two when his own ball is pocketed 
after having touched a white one, and this totally irrespec- 
tive of its having touched one or both of the reds. 

But there is one case connected with the lead, in which & 
person can lose three even after touching the white, to wit : 
when he first strikes the red, and then pockets himself off his 
opponent's ball. In all other cases he can only lose two> 
when his own ball shall have touched his opponent's before 
going into the pocketi The additional penalty of one in this 
case is exacted for having first touched the red. 

3d. He forfeits two to his opponent, also, when he causes 
his ball to jump off the table or lodge on the top of the. 
cushion, after having touched his opponent's ball. 

3 



26 * RISE AWD PROGRESS OF 

4th. When his own ball is pocketed, or jumps off tho 
table, or lodges on the cushion, as before described, without 
cither having touched any ball at all, or having only touched 
one or more red ones, the player forfeits three. 

[In and around New York, three is the highest number 
that a player can be mulcted in for any single stroke ; but 
in some other parts of the Union, they add to this forfeiture 
any number of points which he may otherwise have made 
by the stroke. Surely the penalty of three, and to lose his 
count and hand, ought to be enough to satisfy a Shy lock.] 

5th. If the player cause any ball to jump off the tabic, 
and should it, by striking against any of the by-standers, bo 
flung back upon the board, it must still be looked upon and 
treated as if it had fallen to the floor. If a red ball, it must 
be spotted ; if a white one, held in hand ; and if it be tho 
cue-ball, the player shall forfeit two or three to his opponent, 
conformably to the terms laid down in the two preceding 
paragraphs. 

6th. Though the striker, when playing with the wrong 
ball, cannot count what points he may make, except in thoso 
cases mentioned in the second, third and fourth paragraphs 
of Rule IV. ; nevertheless, whatever forfeitures he may 
incur while playing with the wrong ball, he is bound to pay, 
as if he had been playing with his own. 

7th. Any player who has commenced a game, as specified 
m Rule II., must either finish or forfeit it, except under tho 
circumstances particularly set forth in Rule VII. 

RULE VI— On Cases wlisr© the Balls are in Contact. 

According to the old rule observed in New York, if tho 
cue-ball were in actual contact with any other, no count 
could be made by the player under any circumstances, 
though ho would be obliged to strike and separate the balls 
at least one inch. This rule was manifestly unjust, and its 
injustice heightened by the fact that while the player could 
not win, he could lose as in common cases, should he either 
pocket his own ball, cause it to jump off the table, or lodgo 
on the cushion. Unjust in itself and different from tho 
practice in most other places, it was further aggravated by 
the difliculty recently experienced of finding balls of well- 
seasoned ivory — almost all new balls being incorrect from 
shrinkage after a little use, and therefore apt to fall toother, 
from no want of skill on the player's part. 



THE GAME OF BILLIARDS. 17 

For these considerations therefore, ana in ooedience to the 
wish repeatedly expressed by players in this city and from 
all parts of the country, we think it would be better to make 
tho rule on the subject read thus : 

1st. When the cue-ball is in contact with any other, the 
player can make no count unless he first plays against some 
other ball with which his own was not in contact. But a 
count can be made on the ball with which his own was in 
contact, provided he shall have first played on any other baU 
on the board. 

2d. This stipulation observed, the play can then be pur- 
sued entirely as if the balls had not been in contact. 

BULE VII.— On Withdrawing from, without finishing, a Gajne. 

1st. The player may protest against his adversary's stand- 
ing in front of him, or in such close proximity as to disar- 
range his aim. 

2d. Also, against loud talking, or any other annoyance by 
his opponent, while he is making his play. 

3d. Also, against being refused the use of the bridge, or 
any other of the instruments used in that room in playing, 
except where a special stipulation to the contrary was made 
before commencing the game. 

4th. Or in case his adversary shall refuse to abide by 
the marker's or company's decision on a disputed point, 
which it was agreed between them to submit to the marker, 
or company, for arbitration ; — in any one, or all of the fore- 
going cases, if the discourtesy be persisted in, the party 
aggrieved is at liberty to withdraw, and the game shall be 
considered as drawn, and any stakes which may have been 
depending on such, must be returned. 

5th. Should the interruption or annoyance have been 
accidental, the marker, if so requested by tho player, who is 
entitled to repeat his stroke, must replace the balls as near 
as possible in the position they occupied before the player 
made the stroke in which he was interrupted. 

ETJLE VIII.— On Cases in which the Marker must replace the 
Balls, if called on, as nearly as possible in their former 
position. 

1st. In the case mentioned in the 5th paragraph of the 
preceding rule. 

2d. Whero any of the balls when at rest are moved by 
accident. 



2S RISE AKD PROGRESS OP 

3d. Where any of the balls, while rolling, are suddenly 
obstructed cither by accident or design. In this case the 
marker, if so requested by the players, shall place the inter- 
rupted ball as nearly as poseible in the situation which it 
would apparently have occupied, had it not been stopped. 

4th. Where the cue-ball, resting on the edge of a pocket, 
drops into it before the striker has time to play. 

6th. Where the object-ball, in a similar position, is rolled 
back into the pocket by any of the ordinary vibrations of the 
table or atmosphere. 

6th. In all the cases aforementioned, where it is specified 
that in consequence of a foul stroke, the player's opponent 
sh^ll have the option either of playing at the balls as they 
are, or causing them to be replaced by the marker. 

7th. When either or both of the red balls are pocketed, or 
forced off the table, it is the marker's duty to spot them 
before another stroke is played — except the spot appropriate 
to either be occupied by one of the playing balls, in which 
case the red one must be kept in hand until its position is 
uncovered. 

8th. If, after playing a ball, the player should attempt to 
obstruct or accelerate its progress by striking it again, blow- 
ing at it, or any other means, his opponent may either play 
at the balls as they stand, or call upon the marker to replace 
them in the position they would otherwise have occupied. 

9th. If the striker, in the act of taking aim, or otherwise? 
move his ball ever so little, it is a stroke ; and should he 
strike the ball again, his opponent has the same option as in 
the preceding paragraph. 

RULE IX — Cn the Duty of Players to each other. 

1st. Each player must look after his own interest and 
exercise his Onvu discretion. His opponent cannot be called 
on to answer such questions as " Is the ball outside or inside 
the string ?" " Are the balls in contact ?" and so forth. These 
are questions for the pla^^er's own judgment to decide. 

2d. Each player should attend strictly to his own game, 
and never interfere with his adversary's, except when a foul 
stroke or some other violation of these rules may call for 
jorfeiture. 



THE GAME OF BILLIARDS. ^ 29 

BTJLE X.— On the Duty of the Marker, and the Spectators, to 
the Players. 

1st. In a single game, no one, not even the marker, has a 
right to interfere with the play, or point out an error which 
either has heen or is about to be committed. The player 
to whose prejudice the foul stroke is made, must find that 
out for himself. 

2d. Even after a stroke has been made, no one in tho 
room has any right to comment on it, either for praise or 
blame ; for the same stroke may occur again in the course 
of the game, and the player's play be materially altered by 
the criticism to which he has just been listening. 

3d. Let marker and spectators keep their places as much 
as possible, for if they crowd or move around the table, 
they are liable to interfere with the players, and certain to 
distract their attention. 

4th. When the spectators are appealed to by the marker 
for their opinion on a point which he has been asked, but 
finds himself unable to decide, such of them as are well 
acquainted with the game should answer according to the 
best of their knowledge and belief. Those who know little 
or nothing of the game would oblige themselves and others 
by at once confessing their incompetency. Either they may 
not have seen the disputed stroke, or seeing it, they may not 
have been familiar with its merits. 



PIPTEEN-BALL POOL 



1st. The order of playing may be settled as for two-ball 
pool. The player plays from behind the string, as in the 
ordinary game, and may miss if he likes — ^but the miss, and 
all misses at this game, will score three against him. The 
ChQT players follow him in their order of rotation. 

2d. The player, if it pleases him, may use either the butt 
of the cue or the mace ; and jam his own bail against the 
others, not being obliged to withdraw the mace or cue 
before the cue-ball comes in contact with the object-ball. 

3d. As the sum total of the figures on the 15 balls 
amounts only to 120, of which 61 is more than half, who- 

3* 



30 RISE Am> PROGRESS OP 

ever makes the latter number first is wioner, and may claim 
the stakes. 

4th. Three points are deducted from a player's score for 
making a miss or a losing hazard, or forcing his own bail ofi* 
the table. 

5th. If the player pockets one or more of the object-balls 
and his own ball at the same time, he cannot score for the 
numbered balls, which must be placed on the spot, or in a 
line behind it, if the spot be occupied, and he forfeits three 
for his losing hazard. 

6th. A hazard is good in this game, even when the cue 
and object-balls are in contact. 

7th. As in the ordinary game, the player, when the cue- 
ball is in hand, may play from any place within the string 
at any object-ball outside it. 

8th. And should none of the object-balls be outside, he 
may spot that which is nearest out of the string on the deep 
red spot, and play accordingly. 

9th. Should there be a tie between two or more of the 
highest players, its decision may be referred to the succeed- 
ing game; and whoever counts highest in that, shall be 
declared the victor of the former one, totally independent of 
the game that is then on hand. A man might thus win an 
undecided game of fifteen-ball pool by scoring one in the 
succeeding game, provided neither of his adversaries scored 
anything at all. 

10th. Should they again be tied in the second gameyit 
may be referred to a third. 



ON THE CARE OF A BILLIARD TABLE. 

We propose to ofier a few nmts to our friends, by acting 
upon which they will add much to their amusement and 
©omfort in flaying billiards, and at the same time be enabled 
to keep their billiard tables in proper order. Wo will com- 
mence with the cloth. 

The cloth on the " bed" of the table as well as that on the 
cushions, should be always well and carefully brushed after 
being played upon. This can best be done with a brash and 
a whisk-broom — the latter to clean the dust from under the 
cushions, etc., and the brush to finish with. Care must bo 
taken to brush the cloth with the nap or grain, which usually 



THE GAME OF BILLIARDS 81 

runs from the " head'^'' of the table. The dust can be brush- 
ed to the lower end of the table and then out through the 
pockets. The cushion rail screws should be screwed up at 
lea^t once a month. 

THE CUES. 

When not in use, should be kept in the cue-rack, at a dis- 
tance from the fire or stove, and care should be taken to have 
them placed in a perfectly perpendicular position, by which 
means they will be prevented from warping or getting crook- 
ed. They should be well sand-papered occasionally with 
fine sand-paper. A billiard-room should never be without 
sand-paper ; the leather particularly requires to be frequent- 
ly sand-papered to keep it from projecting over the cue. 
This projection of the leather, which is caused by the expan- 
sion resulting from the contact with the ball, is the cause of 
that great annoyance to the billiard-room keeper — a torn 
cloth. The projecting leather being frequently the hard un- 
der part, if, by the slightest miscue, it comes in contact with 
the cloth, it either takes ofia portion of the nap from the 
cloth, and makes a small cut, or causes that triangular rent 
BO frequ ently seen in the billiard-cloth. We have seen cloths 
spotted all over in this way, and heard the billiard-table 
maker blamed for putting on a moth-eaten cloth — though the 
cloth when put on vras perfectly fresh and sound. The 
upper jaw of the moth in this case is the hard-projecting 
cue leather, and the hard slate or marble bed the under jaw. 
The player is frequently blamed for thus injuring the cloth, 
but the really guilt^r party is the owner of the cues, who 
neglects to keep them in good order. The leather should be 
even with the cue and slightly rounded on the top. 

HOW TO PUT NEW LEATHER ON A CUE. 

Select one from a box of good French leathers (good^nes 
will be found cheapest in the end), about the size of the 
point of the cue, or perhaps a little larger ; next, place the 
leather on some solid flat surface and give it a sharp blow 
with a hammer. This gives solidity to the leather, and in a 
great measure prevents the expansion of the leather after it 
is on the cue. After it has been hammered, rub the under 
or flat part with a file cr on a piece of sand-paper, to rough- 
en the leather a little, that it may the more readily and the 
more fixedly adhere when the adhesive matter is applied ; 
now take tho cue, and with a file or fine rasp make the point 
even and true, taking off the old glue or particles of leather. 



32 RISE AND PROGRESS OP 

if any are attached. A little good glue applied hot will bo 
sufficient to make the leather adhere, but cue-wax of a good 
description will he found more convenient. The best way 
to use cue- wax is to take a cup of hot water and dip the wax 
in it for minute, when sufficient will be dissolved to put on the 
point of the cue and on the leather. By rubbing and pressing 
them together for a few minutes, a good degree of adhesion 
will be produced. When the wax has hardened sufficiently, 
the cue and leather can be sand-papered until they are made 
even. In cases where the leather is much wider than the 
point of the cue, the latter can be reversed, the end bearing 
the leather placed on a piece of wood, the leather trimmed 
with a sharp knife nearly even with the wood, and then 
finished with sand-paper in the usual way. 

THE BALLS. 

The billiard table is now frequently pronounced out of 
order and out of level, when in fact it is not so. The cause 
of this erroneous impression is often that the balls are not round. 
Many who play billiards are unaware that ivory, in any 
shape or form, will shrink in the same manner as wood, that 
is, not in the length with the grain, but across the grain. Thus 
a billiard ball, when in use for some time, will get somewhat 
oval, and will require to be re-turned by the manufacturer. 
New balls particularly shrink a good deal, the older ones less. 
Well turned balls are rarely found, and none should be in- 
trusted with the work but good mechanics. Balls occasion- 
ally will want recoloring, before they get out of proper 
rotundity. This requires care and shoulH not be attempted 
by a novice, as the chances are that a good set of balls may 
be spoiled. We can send a box with three bottles of colore 
ing matter, one for the light and one for the dark red balls, 
also one bottle of cleansing liquid to prepare the balls for 
receiving the color. These are accompanied by full printed 
directions, and will be useful where parties are not within a 
convenient distance of an ivory turner who is capable of 
coloring balls properly. New balls are apt to crack by be- 
ing exposed to sudden changes from cold to heat or vice versa. 
In cold weather the balls should be kept from the action of 
the air as much aspossible, and in fact at ail times when not in 
use. lu cold weather packing them in bran or dry sawdust 
is recornmeiidod, A little sweet oil rubbed on now and then 
before the lire will tend to preserve them. The wood work 
of the t3.ble should be kept clean and free from dust. A mix-- 
tura of 2 parts s weet oil and 1 of spirits of turpentine should. 



THE GAME OF BILLIARDS. 33 

be rubbed on the varnish twice a month or oftener, and the 
work well rubbed oft* with a soft cloth that will not scratch ; 
this will keep the table fresh and well looking for years. 
These few hints, which we respectfully ofier to our friends 
and patrons, will be found worthy the attention of everyone 
who keeps a billiard table. 



DIMENSIONS OF A BILLIARD ROOM. 

niPOETANT TO ARCHITECTS AND SUBURBAN PROPERTY HOLDERS. 

The proper size for a billiard table is twelve feet long by six across ; and 
there should be a space of six feet on every side, to give due room ta 
players and their friends. The dimensions of the hall, therefore, should 
be twenty-four feet long by eighteen wide — but twenty-two by sixteen 
could be made to answer on a pinch. For two tables, the room ought to be 
twenty-four by thirty — but twenty-two by twenty-eight could be made to 
serve, and so on in proportion to the number of the tables. In Mr. 
Phelan's magnificent establishment in Broadway, a space of eight feet is 
allowed between each table— but this is carrying convenience into luxury, 
and a space of six fset will be ample for all general requirements. 

** The light," says Mr. Phelan in his new work on the Game of Billiards, 
"should if possible descend from above, through ample sky-lights, so as 
to bring the table within a general focus, and thus prevent any shadow 
being thrown from the balls or cushions. The gas light should be raised 
about three feet six inches from the bed of the table, and supplied with 
horizontal burners, as by such an arrangement, no shadow is cast from 
the pipes. 

" Why"— continues Mr. Phelan — '* will not our architects, in their plans 
for modern mansions, make suitable provision for that amusement, with- 
out which no gentleman's establishment (more especially a country one) 
can now be considered perfect ? Even if the builder of a house have no 
taste for the game himself, he should look beforehand and consider that 
such an accommodation might form an important item in the price which 
a succeeding tenant would be willing to pay for it." 



The Connterfeit CusMon Detecter. 



To aid purchasers of billiard tables in avoiding the toils 
spread for them by the various imitators of Phelan's cush- 
ions, we had the following list of those spurious and worthless 
articles prepared : 

The Spring Steel Imitation. — This imitation is among 
the most worthless of these counterfeits. It consists of a 
thin strip of steel, (which certainly is a " facing" of tho 
"hardest kind,") in some instances cemented to the back, 
which is of mere common India rubber, in others, screwed 
to the cushion rail. This so-called cushion is a mass of 
defects of which we shall instance only the grossest and 
most palpable. 1st. The concussion of the balls against tho 
strip of steel bulges it to such an extent that after two weeks' 
playing it is but a series of indentations, which, of course, 
render anything like a correct angle an impossibility. 2nd. 
It wants the fundamental principle, without which thero 
cannot be a true billiard cushion : the perfect union of a hard 
face and elastic back, inseparable^ though different in density^ 
which is to be found in the Combination Cushion alone. 
The adhesive power of the cement which joins the steel to 
the common rubber, insufficient as it is at the outset, is soon 
overcome by tho contact of the balls, and the steel strip 
jumps up and down with every concussion of the ball. 
3d. The metallic sound emitted by the steel when struck by 
the ball, is exceedingly disagreeable. 4th. The cloth will 
last no time with such " cushions." 

The " Mechanical Cushion," alias the " Pure Elastic." 
— This arrangement, though it has not changed its name, 
has entirely changed its nature. It was formerly faced with 
steely and made in the mode described as that of the " Spring 
Steel Imitation." Tho present facing instead of being of 



THE GAME OF BILLIARDS. 35 

Btool, which tho manufacturer then declared to bo tho ne 
plus ultra of all facing, is of a very different material, viz. : 
common stretched rubber. But it is still, as before, tho 
mechanical cushion, and is still, according to tho maker, tho 
no plus ultra. Occasionally, however, it is the "puro 
clastic'* cushion, and occasionally again the "mechanicaV 
according to tho proclivities of tho purchaser in favor of hard 
or clastic substances. This stretched rubber facing is an 
evident absurdity. It is stretched in the most primitive man- 
ner, b^ hand. One end of tho strip of rubber is nailed to 
tho end of the cushion-rail, tho other, held by a pincers, is 
dragged until it meets the opposite end, to which it is nailed. 
Not only no two tables, thus cushioned, have an equable 
degree of elasticity, but no two cushions on the same table 
will possess the same degree ofclasticitij. Not only this, but the 
elasticity on the same cushion is diiFercnt, according to where 
it is struck. The extent to which the rubber is stretched 
depends upon the will of tho workman employed to pull it, 
or upon other exigencies, such as the length of tho strip, etc. 
If material is short, of course, more stretching is required. 
Further, the degrees of elasticity m each particular cushion 
will bo diiferent, and will bo lessened or increased as tho 
ball strikes nearer or farther froi» the centre of the cushion 
— tho cushion rail with the stretched rubber being in tho 
nature of a stringed bow, which of course communicates tho 
greatest amount of strength from its centre. The con- 
cussion of tho balls also has the efiect of slackening the 
rubber, which, after a few months' playing, is dead, and 
iiomctimes so loose as to give -a double vibration, which of 
course leaves the player in most blissful ignorance as to 
where a ball is going afterwards. The face of this cush- 
ion has no more density than the back, and consequently 
cannot prevent the ball from imbedding. Tho idea of 
stretching the rubber is so exceedingly ridiculous that it is 
not necessary to bo possessed of any extraordinary mechan- 
ical genius to see the absurdity of it at tho first glance. 
When an arrow is propelled from a bow, it must bo held to 
tho centre of the bow, otherwise it cannot be propelled with 
any degree of accuracy or force. The effect of tho mechan-^ 
ioal, alias puro clastic arrangements, on a ball that is driven 
off them, will be like that of the boAv on tho arrow. When 
it strikes the cusliion at any point not exactly in the centre, 
tho rebound will loso both in accuracy and strength. 
These, and such like " cushions," aro gotten up by persons 
V/ho know nothing about tho game, and caro as little. Their 



36 RISE Aim PROGRESS OF 

only idea is to get up something or anything which they 
can call their cushion. 

The Excelsior Cushion. — This imitation consists of a 
solid piece of India rubber, in which is inserted diagonally 
from the upper edge of the face, inward and downward, 
a strip of steel. A slit is made with a knife in the rubber 
and the strip of steel is introduced. Eveiy time the ball 
strikes this cushion, it drives the strip of steel up until it 
sends it through the cloth. The object of this diagonal steel 
fitrip, thus inserted, if it be any other than to wear out ths 
cloth, is a mystery to everybody but the maker, and most 
probably to him also. If such, however, be its object, it 
accomplishes it most effectually, for the pushing up of the 
steel strip wears out the cloth in an incredibly short space 
of time, and entails a continual expense on the unlucky 
owner of tables with the steel-barbed cushions. 

The Whalebone Imitation. — The reader will not have 
forgotten that all the getters-up of these worthless imitations' 
of Phelan's cushions, vigorously opposed his principle or 
basis of construction. They now, however, all admit the 
correctness of those principles, by endeavoring to imitate 
them. They turn the principles of a hard face and an elas- 
tic back into all possible and impossible variations. They 
all have the same "elastic" back — common India rubber. 
The hard facing they try to supply by all possible materials. 
In the present imitation, as its name indicates, the hard 
facing is supplied by a strip of whalebone. This strip, 
being only attached to the rubber by cement or glue, wants 
one of the fundamental principles — ^the perfect union of the 
two materials. A very little playing entirely separates 
them. The whalebone soon parts in fibres, and becomes 
worthless after one month's playing. 

Other Imitations. — ^All the other counterfeit cushions 
are likewise a sort of parody on Phelan's models. The 
hard face and elastic back principle is recognized, but only 
recognized to be travestied, by getting up some arrangement 
which may be palmed off on the public without incurring 
the risk of a prosecution for infringement of Phelan's patent. 
The elastic back is in all of these the primitive one of 
common rubber. In one variety, the hard face is of beltings 
stuck to the old rubber back with common glue. These, of 
course, are soon separated, and the back and face become 
two separate and independent portions. The air insinuates 
itself between them, and the last state of these counterfeits 



THE GAME OF BILLIARDS. ST 

becomes worse than the first. Some makers in their anxiety 
to fabricate a cushion which they might call their own, 
have, in the dearth of materials, gone so far as to adopt 
even brown paper as a hard facing. If purchasers could 
only see such cushions dissected after even three weeks* 
playing, when the paper has been injured by the contact of tho 
balls, they would learn a lesson in the art of purchasing 
billiard tables, which might save them some money and 
much disappointment after investment. The slightest mois- 
ture — a little water thrown by carelessness over these brown 
paper fixtures — renders them perfectly useless, and rots them 
immediately. 

The Consequence of Buying Old-Style Tables. — Scarcely 
a day passes that tho manufacturers of Phelan's cushions 
are not called upon to take ofi* these counterfeits and replace 
them by the Combination Cushion. This occasions the 
owners of the tables much expense and annoyance. But 
in most cases where a purchaser has been taken in by tho 
makers of the spurious cushions, or their " blowers'* and 
billiard sharps, there is no remedy, for the manufacturers 
of Phelan's Cushions, are obJiged in their own interest, and 
in consequence of the miserable materials of which these 
old-style tables are made, to' positively refuse putting tko 
Phelan Cushion upon them. 

Beware of " Billiard Sharps." — There are in this city a 
plenty of what are known as " Billiard Sharps." They 
are in familiar phrase " touters," employed by the makers of 
counterfeit cushions to bring in unwary customers. They 
frequent certain so-called billiard rooms, which are in reality 
only show-rocms for the passing cflf of the counterfeits. 
They play a little billiards, make believe to know the require- 
ments of the game, and try to talk Bcientifically about it. 
Beware op them, they are paid from fifteen to twenty 
PER cent, on tho amount paid for old-fogy tables with 
Counterfeit Cushions, by the customers ttey hav<j deluded* 
4 



FOURTH EDITION NOW READY. 



THE GAME OF BILLIARDS, 

BY MICHAEL PHELAN. 

- * The author is the \reU known Michael Phelan, and he has brought to \ 
tiatask a mind eyidentlj well stored with literary research as well as th© 
mathematical intricacies of the game he so ably describes. * * * The 
book is well sprinkled with diagrams and the pages are full of illustrations 
and definitions of the technical terms employed in the game." — Nc Y, 
Clipper, 

" The author has furnished the most elaborate directions for playing 
the game — and if ever a book of instructions was capable of assisting 
practice, without which it is impossible to acquire a perfect knowledge 
of anything, it is this little manual." — N. Y. Dispatch. 
♦ *• The English, French, Russian, Spanish and American games are all 
detailed, with a full code of rules, and every information supplied that the 
learner could ask or the initiated be pleased to peruse." — Sunday Times. 

**It should be purchased, and frequently consulted by every lover of 
the above named gentlemanly and scientific game." — Porter^s Spirit, 

" A most useful, because most practical vade mccum to a most delight- 
ful and scientific amusement, in which keenness of mind, quickness of 
ftight, and sleight of hand must combine to make success. "—Dai/y Times. 

"This is a work by Michael Phelan of this city, thfe distinguished 
player and inventor of the patent Billiard Tables and Cushions illustrated 
on page 116, Vol. II., Sci. Am. The book contains a history of the gamCt 
explains its scientific principles, gives full instructions how to play, also 
Ihe laws which regulate the game. It is written in a clear and lively 
style, showing Mr. Phelan can write with the same skill he invents and ; 
plays." — Scientific American. ; 

** The Game op BiLLiAans, by Michael Phelan, New York : D. Appleton 
h Co. This is an excellent Manual, and ought to be in the hands of every 
lover of the sport. It gives an account of the history of the game, and 
full instruction in conducting it."— De Bow^s Review, 

** The Game op Billiards, by Michael Phelan. D. Appleton & Co., 
Broadway, have recently published the above named invaluable book for 
billiard players. It contains some account of the origin of billiards, tha 
machinery, general principles of the game, definition of technical terms, 
Bome twenty-five diasrams, codes to regulate the game, rules for the differ- 
eat games, instructions for players, markers, &c., &c., altogether forming 
one of the most complete works on billiards ever published. The work i9 
a great improvement on Mr. Phelan's first effort, great as that was 
acknowledged to be. Every billiard player should purchase a copy, and 
encourage his friends to read it," — N. Y, Spirit of the Timet, 
Sent fre« by mail, on receipt of one dollar, by 

MICHAEL PHELAN, 

Box 1847, P. O., New Yotk City* 



i 



1 



.THE GAME OF BILLIARDS. 89 

PHELAN'S BILLIARD TABLES AND PATENT COMBINATION 
CUSHIONS. 

These Tables are in use in every State in the Union, in Canada, South 
America, Cuba, and other ])arts of the world, and in every instance have 
given full satisfaction to the purchasers. They have been supplied to 
the following Clubs, in most cases taking the places of the pieces of 
furniture formerly used to play billiards on ; 

New York Club, ....New York City. 

Union Club, " "||| " 

Manhattan Club, ** " " 

German Club, *' " ** 

Union Association, ^. " ** " 

Gymnasium Club, ! '* ** ** 

Eclectic Club, ** '* " 

City Club, " *' " 

Waverly Club, " ** ** 

Manhattan Racket, " '* *' 

Athenaeum, " '* ** 

Phoenix, ** " ** 

Century, ** *' *' 

Brooklyn Club, , Brooklyn, L. I. 

Somerset Club, Boston, Mass. 

Temple Club, Boston, Mass. 

Summer St. Club, Boston, Mass. 

Philadelphia Club, Philadelphia. 

German Union Club, Baltimore, Md. 

Mercantile Club, Baltimore, Md, 

Germania Club, Baltimore, Md. 

Maryland Club, Baltimore, Md, 

Richmond Club, ^. Richmond, Va. 

Charleston Club^ ": Charleston, S. C. 

Newport Club, ." Newport. 

Natchez Club, Natchez, Miss. 

Pelican Club, New Orleans, La. 

Boston, Club, New Orleans, lia, 

Irving Club, New Orleans, La. 

Savannah Club, , Savannah, Ga. 

Wilkesbarre, Club, Wilkesbarre, Pa. 

OflBcers U. S. A. Club, . . , West Point, New York. 

Officers U. S. A. Club, Fort Simcoe, W. T. 

Officers U. S. A. Club, Old Point Comfort, Va. 

Officers U. S. A. Club, Fort Riley, K. T. 

Officers U. S. A. Club, Fort Leavenworth, K. T. 

U. S. Army Club, Governor's Island. 

U. S. Army Club, Fort Hamilton, 

Pacific Club, San Francisco. 

Union Club, St. Paul, M. T. 

Beaufort Club, South Carolina. 

St. Louis Club, St. Louis, Mo. 

Union Club, Worcester, Mass. 

Brighton Club, Brighton, Mass. 

Columbia Club Columbia, S. C. 

Lexington Club, Ky. 

Carlisle Barracks, Pa. 

Bienville Club, Mobile, Ala. 

Union Club, Unionville, S. C. 

These Clubs number among their members some of the best amaUnr 
players in the world. * 



40 RISE AND PROGRESS OF 

" The demand is constantly and largely increasing*for these Tables and 
Cushions, and we have been obliged to increase our facilities fot manu- 
facturing. And now employ in our establishment more men than are 
engaged in all similar establishments in the United States combined. None 
but the best mechanics are employed, and the finest materials are exclusive- 
ly used. The utmost care is used in every branch, and prompt attention 
paid to orders received by mail. 

Mr. Phelan'^onstant attention is given to the improvement of every-^ 
thing connectea with billiards, and five patents have been issued to pro- 
tect the improvements made ; the latest dated March 29th, 1859. 

Spurious imitations of Phelan's improvements, and other kinds of 
Tables and Cushions pretending to be " patents" are in the market ; but^ 
like all other counterfeits, they are made of the cheapest and worst 
materials, looking well, perhaps, to ah unpractised eye at the time of 
sale, but rapidly deteriorating and falling to pieces after a little use — to 
any one who looks for a CDrrect reflection from the cushion, they are '• a 
mockery, a delusion, and a snare." Address orders to 

FHELAN & COLLENDER, 

New Torl£ City» 

We give the following list as a few of the many places 
in which the Combination Cushioned Tables are in use, if 
we were to attempt to publish a full list it would occupy 
eyery page of this pamphlet. ^ 

Fifth Avenue Hotel, 12 Tables, New York City. 

New York Hotel, 2 " 

Everett House, 3 " " '' 

Brevoort House, 2 " " *' 

St. Germain Hotel, 2 " 

French's Hotel,. " " 

Brown's Hotel, , .Macon, Ga. 

Lanier House, 

Tremont House, Chicago, IlL 

St. Charles Hotel, Richmond, Va. 

Revere House, Boston, Mass. 

Tremont House, 

Congress Hall, Albany, N. Y. 

Troy House, Troy, N. Y. 

Keefe's Room, 15 Tables, New York City. 

Bird's Room, 16 " .Philadelphia, Pa. 

Ainsworth's, 17 " Saratoga Springs^ 

M. M. Miller's Southern Billiard Room,. N. O., La. 

South Carolinian Billiard Room, Charleston, S. C. 

Fuller's Tremont Exchange, 10 Tables,, .* Chicago, 111. 

Whipple's Room, Detroit, Mich. 

Gixrady's, #. . .Augusta, Ga. 



THE GAME OF BILLIARDS. 41 

Exchange Hotel, Montgomery, Ala. 

Bank Exchange, San Francisco, Gala. 

Barry & Patten's,. " " " 

Hasting's Room, Aspinwall, N. G. 

Anglo American Hotel, Hamilton, C. W, 

Tecumseh House, London, C. W. 

Baily's Room, University of Virginia, Va, 

Wright's Room, Trenton, N. J, 

Coleman's Eutaw House, Baltimore, Md, 

Marr & Fisher's Room, Washington, D. C. 

Ellicott's Room, " " 

La Truitt's Room, " " 

Wallace & Reeves,. ..214 Broadway, 11 Tahles, N. Y. City, 
Kilduff's Room, 9 Tables.. . .22d St., Broadway, N. Y. City. 

Colewell's, 8th and 18th Streets, New York City. 

Hone House, Broadway, New York. 

Montague Hall, Brooklyn. 

Dean's Room, " 

Mason's Room, Albany, N. Y. 

Fitzgerald & Maguire, " " 

Whitney's Room, Baltimore, Md, 

McElroy's Room, " " 

Clifton House, Niagara Falls. 

Planter's Hotel, Atlanta, Ga. 

Forrest House, " " 

Verandah Saloon, Troy, N. Y. 

Pavilion Hotel, Sharon Springs. 

Equinox House, .Manchester, Vt. 

Ralph Benjamin's Room, Bridgeport, Conn. 

McCormick's Room, Philadelphia, Pa. 

Jones' Room, Columbus, Ga. 

Mahaffey's Room, " " 

Mciropolitan Hall, St. Pauls, Ala. 

Lyman's Room, Montgomery, Ala. 

Murphy's Room, Cleveland, Qhio. 

Wizeman's Room, Cleveland, Ohio. 

Dart's Room,. Montgomery, Ala. 



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